Masonic Lodge Charlotte NC – Dec 2013

From the East

Brethren,

As I write this, we’re just finishing up with Thanksgiving, and now moving into the Christmas season.

And with that, our last stated communication of the year, and my last stated sitting in the East. It’s been an honor and a privilege serving as Master of Phalanx Lodge #31, and I’ve learned so very much along my journey through the chairs. To me, that’s what Masonry is, a journey through life and a growing experience.

When I first became a Mason, I’ll admit that I wasn’t completely sure of what I got myself into. But what I did know was that I needed guidance in life as I was only drifting along day to day. No one else in my family has ever been involved with Masonry, so I was treading on new ground. Along my journey I’ve met people from all walks of life. Many of whom I may not have ever interacted with in my normal life, and all calling me “brother” which took some getting used to.

Through it all I’ve gained perspective, knowledge, a deeper faith in God, and an overall feeling that I’ve improved myself, although I still have a long way to go as we never stop. I’m still looking forward to many more years of growing, learning, and improving myself in Masonry, but for now, it’s time for me to pass the gavel onto a new Master, and simply offer support and encouragement as he finds his new place in the East.

I’d like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season, and may God’s love bless and enrich us all!

Fraternally,

Kai Ferell – Master

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From the West

Brothers,

I can’t begin to express to you how much it means to me that you have elected me to lead our lodge during 2014. I hope that the coming year affords me the opportunity to assist our lodge through times of growth, strengthening and above all charitable giving. I began my journey to this point in 2007, and during the last six years I have learned so much about the inner workings of the lodge. I have learned that being an officer means taking the will of the lodge and turning it into action. It means paying very close attention to the officers who have come before you to draw on their successes and learn from their mistakes. As I am sure is the case with many newly elected officers I view the coming year with anticipation and hope, but above all I look to this next year with a great deal of excitement and energy. We have a terrific lodge and with several new masons in the process of going through the degrees, so we continue to grow and add to our ranks. It remains important for brothers to engage with the lodge not only during stated communications, but during degree work. We raised our newest brother the other evening, and in doing so ignited the passion for masonry in another individual just the way it was once done for us. I hope the many of you will be able to attend our December stated and our officer installation ceremony on December the 17th. If you can’t, I challenge each of you to attend at least one stated communication during the year. Brothers this is your lodge, and while I have taken on the responsibility of leading it, I expect you to participate. Your participation will help me understand where we are, and where you would like to see us end up. A lot can be accomplished in a year, but I have to know what the goal is in order to reach it. I look forward to seeing you all soon, and I wish for all of you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.

Fraternally,

Jim Lofton, SW

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From the Secretary

Brothers,

As we near the end of yet another year, I want to first wish you all a very Happy Holiday season. It is my hope that we all take a moment to recall the teachings and charges of our fraternity, and measure ourselves against the ideals, character and behaviors that Masonry asks us to aspire to. I believe that one of the greatest gifts I can give to my family and friends is that of always being a better person tomorrow than I was today.

I do want to note the results of the November election of Officers for those of you who were not able to be present. The following were elected to their respective stations and places for 2014: 

Brother James S. Lofton – Master

Brother Bill A. Clark – Senior Warden

Brother Chris W. Crump – Junior Warden

Worshipful Brother Neil Crossley – Treasurer

Worshipful Brother Mike Hamrick – Secretary

Brothers Bill Clark and Chris Crump – Trustees.

There are two more events scheduled before years end, the December 10th Stated Communication and the December 17th Officer Installation.

We would love to see you at both of these, particularly at the 2014 Officer’s Installation. The installation is one of very few Masonic rituals to which non-Masons can be invited. Please feel free to invite family and friends as we install our 2014 Officers. Also for consideration, should you have a friend who you believe would benefit from, and be a benefit to our fraternity, this ceremony might be one of our more meaningful introductions to Masonry.

Lastly, 2014 dues payments are coming in…should you not yet have dropped that in the mail, please queue it up in your next checks to be written.

Brothers, one of our newest members, Brother Ben Asseff (affiliated from William G. Hill Lodge #218, Raleigh) manages an Edward Jones branch which is a drop off location for TOYS FOR TOTS. If you are interested in donating new and unwrapped toys for needy children, he will be glad to take the donations to his office. You may bring any donation to the December 10th Stated or the December 17th Officer Installation.

Fraternally,

Mike Hamrick, PM

Secretary

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